Executive Master of Public Administration

About the Executive MPA

This programme is based in and draws on faculty from the Institute of Public Affairs|. It provides a set of high quality, interdisciplinary courses devised to meet the needs of government departments and public agencies in many countries for highly skilled and professional policy-makers. It also meets the needs of people working with governments but in the private sector, for instance in consultancy, public-private partnerships, public affairs, media, non-governmental organisations and interest groups. The programme is designed for those in full-time employment.

Specifically it provides:

Study in the Institute of Public Affairs, drawing on faculty and institutional links from across the School to support and enhance LSE's public policy training.

A modular programme structure allowing students to take courses whilst engaged in full-time employment, through attendance at week-long intensive courses and long weekend (Fri – Sun) Policy in Practice Workshops.

Teaching by specialists who are at the forefront of research in public administration and policy making.

Interaction with senior level practitioners responsible for the development and implementation of major policy initiatives.

A comparative, international and multidisciplinary environment with links to several specialist institutions partnered with the Institute of Public Affairs.

An interactive format that builds on the insights of an experienced, skilled and internationally diverse cohort.

Through the choice of two week-long courses from a range of options you have the flexibility to customise your curriculum. You may wish to use this flexibility to develop new skills, pursue personal and professional interests, or add depth to existing knowledge. You'll leave LSE with high-level knowledge and advanced skills which will empower you to master new challenges with your current organisation and expand your choice of career options.

Applicants will be considered who have a good first degree from any subject background and substantial relevant work experience. We typically expect at least 5 years of work experience.

This programme requires either two academic references or one academic and one professional reference. The latter should be a reference from your most recent employer. If you graduated from your most recent academic study before 2010 and no academic references are available, you may supply two professional references. It is in your interest to supply academic references wherever possible. In addition to this we encourage you to supplement your application by uploading a CV.

Programme details

The EMPA programme comprises eight modules spaced over a 20 month period. Students will attend LSE for five one-week sessions. The programme also includes three compulsory three-day weekend Policy in Practice Workshops. Work on campus will be complemented with preparatory readings and online revision material. The modules are assessed with a combination of written assignments and exams.

Political Science and Public Policy* introduces a range of theoretical and empirical tools to analyse the politics of policymaking. The main focus is on political institutes in modern democracies and how they relate to public policy.

Empirical Methods for Public Policy* introduces the quantitative evaluation of public policies and focuses on the practical applications of state of the art approaches to test the effectiveness of public policy interventions.

Economic Policy Analysis* covers both key microeconomic policy issues, such as externalities, public goals and principal-agent problems, and macroeconomic issues such as unemployment, fiscal and monetary policies, international trade and finance and the determinants of long-run growth.

In addition to compulsory courses students will be expected to choose two courses from a range of options.

Please read the following important information before referring to full details of course options found in the Programme Regulations.

The programme regulations available are for the current academic session and may be subject to change before the beginning of the next academic year. For more information about course availability in the next academic session, please contact the relevant academic department. The School reserves the right at all times to withdraw, suspend or alter particular courses and syllabuses, and to alter the level of fees. Courses are on occasion capped (limited to a maximum number of students) or subject to entry conditions requiring the approval of the course convenor. The School cannot guarantee that places on specific courses will be available.

Graduate destinations

The Executive MPA is a transformational programme that provides skills and knowledge to enhance career prospects and expand options in the area of public policy. LSE Executive MPA alumni will occupy positions in governments, international organisations, the private sector and think tanks around the world.

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